Ex of Linking Verbs: A Comprehensive Guide

Linking verbs, also known as copulative verbs, play a crucial role in English grammar. They connect the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective that describes or identifies the subject. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of linking verbs, including their usage, examples, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Understanding Linking Verbs

Linking verbs are different from action verbs because they do not express actions or movements. Instead, they link the subject to a complement, which can be a noun, adjective, or a phrase that provides additional information about the subject.

Here are some common linking verbs:

• Be: am, is, are, was, were
• Seem: seems, seemed
• Look: looks, looked
• Feel: feels, felt
• Sound: sounds, sounded
• Remain: remains, remained

Let’s take a look at a simple example:

She is happy.

In this sentence, “is” is a linking verb that connects the subject “she” to the complement “happy,” which describes her state of being.

Types of Complements

Linking verbs can be followed by different types of complements. Here are the three main types:

• Noun Complement: A noun or pronoun that renames the subject.
• Adjective Complement: An adjective that describes the subject.
• Predicative Noun or Adjective: A noun or adjective that provides additional information about the subject.

Let’s examine each type with examples:

Noun Complement

He is a teacher.

In this sentence, “a teacher” is a noun complement that renames the subject “he.”

Adjective Complement

She feels tired.

Here, “tired” is an adjective complement that describes the subject “she.”

Predicative Noun or Adjective

The soup smells delicious.

In this example, “delicious” is a predicative adjective that provides additional information about the subject “the soup.”

Using Linking Verbs Correctly

While linking verbs are relatively straightforward, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Avoid using action verbs instead of linking verbs. For example, “She goes to school” is incorrect; the correct sentence is “She is going to school.”
• Do not use a linking verb with a present participle. For instance, “She is eating” is correct, but “She is eat” is incorrect.
• Be cautious when using “be” with plural subjects. For example, “They are students” is correct, but “They is students” is incorrect.

Here’s a table summarizing the common linking verbs and their present tense forms:

Conclusion

Linking verbs are an essential part of English grammar, and understanding their usage can greatly improve your writing and speaking skills. By